The adventure awaits
Discover Barcelona, a city where unique architecture and a rich artistic heritage intertwine! Admire Antoni Gaudí's masterpieces, including the iconic Sagrada Familia and the colourful Parc Güell. Explore the footsteps of Pablo Picasso and Joan Miró in the galleries that bring their work to life, and be swept away by the vibrant atmosphere of the city's streets full of inspiration. Stroll through the Gothic Quarter, where history comes alive in stone facades and hidden courtyards. Barcelona is an art and architecture lover's paradise - be enchanted by its beauty at every turn!
On arrival, you will check in. If you have enough time today, make the most of it, you are in one of the most interesting and culturally rich places in Europe, so make the most of every moment by visiting the city.
You can get to the city from the airport on the A1 or A2 buses, but these are not part of the city's public transport system and are not covered by the Hola Barcelona card. I recommend taking the Bus 46 which will take you directly to the city centre to the Pl Espanya - Av Reina Maria Cristina stop.
Today will be dedicated to discovering Barcelona's rich cultural heritage. You will visit the National Art Museum of Catalonia, which houses important collections of Romanesque, Gothic and modern art. You'll explore the dynamic street art scene that reflects the city's creative spirit, while sampling traditional Catalan gastronomy that combines historical influences with modern culinary innovations. The highlight of the day will be a visit to Barcelona's architectural gem, the Sagrada Familia, Antoni Gaudí's masterpiece that is not only an icon of the city but also a symbol of Catalan modernism.
At the very beginning you will see the famous square, which can also be considered a transport hub. At the centre of the square is a statue by architect Josep Maria Jujol, a collaborator of Antoni Gaudí. It is then dominated by two 47-metre high Venetian towers, opposite which stands the former bullfighting arena, the Arenas de Barcelona (now a mall). The entire square overlooks the Catalan National Art Museum.
Plaça d'Espanya is one of the most important and architecturally impressive squares in Barcelona. It was built in 1929 on the occasion of the World Exhibition (Exposición Internacional) and its urban layout reflects the grandiose vision of the modern city. The square is dominated by a monumental fountain designed by Joseph Maria Jujol, a pupil and collaborator of Antoni Gaudí. This fountain, with its classical elements and allegorical sculptures, symbolizes the different regions of Spain - the water flowing from different parts represents the seas and rivers of the country.
The square is surrounded by impressive buildings, including the former bullring, Arenas de Barcelona, which has been converted into a modern shopping centre with panoramic views. In addition, there are two monumental Venetian towers inspired by the bell tower in Piazza San Marco in Venice, which form the gateway to the main Montjuïc exhibition area. It is here that the wide boulevard Avinguda de la Reina Maria Cristina leads, ending with the imposing Palau Nacional, home to the National Art Museum of Catalonia (MNAC). The entire space was designed to evoke the grandeur and cultural richness of Barcelona and remains one of the key points of the city's architecture to this day.
A short walk up the hill from the square is the Barcelona Pavilion, built in 1929 for the World's Fair. It was designed by architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, best known as the architect of the Villa Tugendhat in Brno. This German pavilion was demolished immediately after the exhibition of its year, and today a replica, rebuilt in 1986, stands on the site.
The pavilion is small and can be viewed from the outside without buying an entrance fee.
📅 Opening Hours: Every day 10:00-14:00h
Just a short distance behind the Pavilion is the landmark of the square, the National Art Museum of Catalonia. A guided tour is available if you wish, which we did not take. The museum is housed in the National Palace building at the foot of Montjuïc hill, which, like the aforementioned Pavilion, was opened in 1929 for the Exposició Internacional de Barcelona.
👉 Price depends on the type of tour you choose. It is possible to visit only parts of the museum.
📅Opening hours. WARNING closed on Mondays
The unmistakable statue of a stray cat, El Gato de Botero, by Colombian artist Fernando Botero, is undoubtedly one of the symbols of street art in Barcelona.
Be prepared before visiting the landmark of Barcelona. That's why it's impossible not to try something good at the market on your way.
This is the oldest market in Barcelona (the history of this market dates back to 1217) It is possible to buy practically anything you fancy from seafood, fruit and vegetables to sweets, dairy products, meat, cheese, etc.
📅 Opening hours: Every day except Sunday 8:00-20:30h
ATTENTION CLOSED SUNDAY
The subway lines are pretty combinable for this trip. We first used the L3 metro from the Liceu (direction Trinitat Nova) stop to the Diagonal stop, where we changed to the L5 (direction Vall d'Hebron) line to the Sagrada Familia stop.
Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí's most important building, the Sagrada Familia, is a temple that many visitors come to Barcelona to see. Despite the fact that its construction began in 1882, the temple is still not finished. This can be used as an excuse for the prohibitively expensive tickets, as buying a ticket will support the aforementioned construction.
The Familia was intended by A. Gaudí to have three facades - the Nativity, the Passion and the Resurrection. The first facade to be completed is the Nativity facade, and we nearly wrung our necks looking at it from below. The interior is definitely worth buying tickets for. We recommend visiting the temple during the sunniest possible morning or afternoon when the interior is bursting with colour. We bought tickets that included entry to the tower, which we can also only recommend. The views were worth it.
The Sagrada Família, the masterpiece of Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí, is one of the most important symbols of Barcelona and a supreme example of Art Nouveau architecture. Its construction began in 1882 and continues to this day, with completion scheduled for 2026, the centenary of Gaudí's death.
The original project was designed by architect Francisco de Paula del Villar in the Neo-Gothic style, but after his resignation, Gaudí took the lead and completely reworked the design into a revolutionary and organic style inspired by nature. Gaudí's vision included 18 towers symbolizing the twelve apostles, the four evangelists, the Virgin Mary, and the tallest tower dedicated to Jesus Christ, which, when completed, will reach 172.5 meters in height, making the Sagrada Família the tallest church in the world.
The church is known for its three monumental facades: the Nativity, the Passion and the Glory. The facade of the Nativity, completed during Gaudi's lifetime, is richly decorated and celebrates the birth of Christ. The facade of the Passion, completed in 1976, is austere and dramatic in appearance, depicting Christ's Passion. The façade of Glory, still unfinished, will be the largest, symbolizing the heavenly glory of Jesus Christ.
The interior of the temple is designed to resemble a forest, with vaulted ceilings and columns branching out like trees. Stained glass windows filter the light and create a fascinating play of colours inside the temple, which changes depending on the time of day and the intensity of the sunlight.
Directly at the Sagrada, walk to the L2 metro station called Sagrada Familia(direction Paral-lel) and get off at the Paral-lel stop. From there, it's just a short walk to your accommodation.
You'll start the day with an early morning sunrise view on one of Barcelona's picturesque beaches, where you'll enjoy the tranquil atmosphere of a city awakening. In the morning, visit the Hospital de Sant Pau, a masterpiece of Catalan Art Nouveau and one of Barcelona's most important architectural complexes, followed by a view of the city from a lesser-known but impressive vantage point off the tourist trails. In the afternoon, you will immerse yourself in the fascinating world of Antoni Gaudí, discovering the unique organic lines and symbolism of his famous houses, Casa Milà and Casa Batlló. End the day at the legendary Marsella Bar, renowned for its historic charm, where greats such as Pablo Picasso and Ernest Hemingway once exchanged ideas over a glass of absinthe.
Barceloneta is one of the most famous beaches in Barcelona. I believe it must be crowded during the day in summer. However, if you head here early in the morning like we did, apart from a few athletes or walking your four-legged pets, you'll have the beautiful views to yourself.
While walking on the beach, we came across this place where we enjoyed and waited for the sun to peek out properly, enjoyed a relaxing morning and then moved on.
It's important to have breakfast first thing in the morning, and we discovered a cozy little place called La Roseta just a short walk from the beach on an unassuming street. There is the option to sit down and eat breakfast in peace on the spot, but we recommend taking something to go and eating it a short walk away with a view of the sunrise on the beach.
📅Opening Hours: 8:00-14:30
Before we had a good walk on the beaches and had breakfast, it was already getting light. Even the water wasn't that cold and one could swim at will with a view of the tower that featured in the movie Bird Box.
With the statue of Columbus
But if you're tempted to see the statue up close, you can walk less than half an hour along the harbour.
Without the Columbus statue
The trip to the Columbus statue can be skipped. We were happy to walk around, but if you don't feel like it and it's enough to just see the statue from the bus in the morning, you can go straight from the beach to the next location. First, you have to walk about 10 minutes along the harbor to the L4 Barceloneta metro stop (direction Trinitat Nova) from where it's a 13-minute walk to the Guinardó | Hospital de Sant Pau stop. From the bus stop, you can walk a few more minutes.
Who hasn't heard of Christopher Columbus... His statue commemorates his journey to discover the New World. Located at the end of the famous La Rambla, it was erected in 1888 and points towards America.
Just a short walk from the roundabout where Columbus is, there is also a metro stop L3, which you take at Drassanes (direction Trinitat Nova) and get to the Diagonal stop. There, you change to the L5 line and take the Sant Pau | Dos de Maig line for about 4 minutes to the final stop. From there, it's less than a 5-minute walk.
The former Hospital de Sant Pau is one of the most important works of Catalan modernist architecture, built between 1901 and 1930 to a design by the architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner. This large complex, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is an example of the perfect integration of functionality and aesthetics.
Hospital de Sant Pau is made up of a series of separate pavilions, connected by underground passages and surrounded by beautiful gardens. The whole area has been designed to best meet the needs of the patients while being pleasant for their well-being. Architect Montaner used modernist elements such as coloured ceramic tiles, arches, stained glass and ornamental details that were unusual for hospital buildings at the time.
For visitors, it is fascinating that the entire complex, whose appearance is more reminiscent of a palace or garden city than a traditional hospital, offers a profound contrast to typical, sterile hospital environments. A tour of the entire complex provides a glimpse not only of the beauty of the architecture, but also of the innovative approach to the design of medical facilities in the early 20th century.
📅Opening Hours: Daily 9:30am-6:30pm
From the hospital we moved more north to the bunkers. There's a V23 bus going there. You get on at the Cartagena - Av Gaudi stop and in 20 minutes you get off at Montserrat de Casanovas - Passerell. From there it is only a 1 km walk uphill.
This place is not as touristy as you might expect with such a beautiful view. We only met a few groups of people here, either locals or tourists. Despite the fact that we were under a cloud that day the view in all directions was really worth it.
The bunkers here were built in the first half of the 20th century during the Spanish Civil War. Their purpose was to protect Barcelona from so-called carpet bombing raids.
From the bunkers to the next location, there is a direct bus 39 service. Urquinaona and 20 minutes later get off at Pau Claris - Rosselló. Just around the corner is Casa Mila.
Another iconic work by Antonio Gaudi. This is the last building he built before dedicating the rest of his life to the Sagrada Familia. It combines elements of Art Nouveau, Cubism, Gothic and Baroque.
We deliberately bought the tour towards the evening and highly recommend it. The lighting throughout the building is more magical than during the day. It also gives you a view of Barcelona at night from the beautiful rooftop.
Casa Batlló is a modernist house, the construction of which began in 1904. Gaudi often worked with elements of nature during his work. In this particular case, it can be noticed that parts of the house look like bones from the outside. We personally skipped the tour of the house. However, if you do take the tour, visit Casa Batlló before Casa Mila to catch everything.
Just next to the last stop is the L3 metro station called Passeig de Gràcia (direction Zona Universitària), from where you take 3 minutes to the Liceu stop. Bar Marsella is a 5-minute walk away.
Bar Marsella is famous for being the drinking haunt of Pablo Picasso, one of the most famous painters of all time, and Hemingway, the famous writer. In the evening we set out to end the day in their footsteps. We tried the classic drinky and abisnth, which the bar is also famous for. The atmosphere was amazing!
📅Opening hours: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 17:00-00:00h, Friday, Saturday, Sunday 17:00-1:30h
WARNING closed on Mondays
The best way back to your accommodation is on foot. It will only take you about 10 minutes.
Today's day will be dedicated to art in its various forms. You'll start at the Picasso Museum, which houses one of the most important collections of early works by the Cubist master and provides a unique insight into his artistic development. From here you will move on to the Fundació Joan Miró, where you will discover the surrealist compositions of this famous Catalan artist, including his interpretation of Las Meninas, inspired by Velázquez. Your next stop will be Casa Vicens, Antoni Gaudí's first major work, which marks the beginning of his unique architectural style. At the end of the day, ascend to the famous Park Güell, where you will enjoy panoramic views of Barcelona in all its glory at sunset.
From the Paral-lel - Margarit stop (direction Pg. Marítim) take the bus D20 to the Pla de Palau stop. You will then walk to the site. The journey will take a total of 22 minutes.
The museum of one of the most important personalities of 20th century art, Spanish-born Pablo Picasso, who is considered the founder of Cubism, is not to be missed. It contains his work from perhaps all creative periods. For example, one entire room is devoted to sketches and studies by Las Meninas.
I recommend buying a ticket that includes both the Picasso Museum and the Fundació Joan Miró. It works out cheaper + one of Picasso's most famous works Las Meninas is located up at Fundació Joan Miró. (Some days have free admission in the afternoon, these change with the season).
📅Opening hours:Tuesday, Wednesday, Sunday - 9:00am-8:00pm
.Thursday, Friday, Saturday - 9:00-21:00h
WARNING Monday closed
From the museum you can walk a short distance to the L4 metro line. You will go from the Jaume I stop (direction Trinitat Nova) to the Urquinaona station. Here you will change at the Pl Urquinaona - Pau Claris (direction Parc de Montjuïc) stop for the Bus 55, from where you will take the Av Miramar - Fundació Joan Miró.
Joan Miró i Ferrà was, like Picasso, a Catalan painter, printmaker and sculptor. Initially, he was more interested in painting in the style of Cubism and later in Surrealism. The museum exhibits not only his works but also those of Picasso.
We were very pleasantly surprised by the whole space. There were many more works than we expected.
We recommend a walk through the beautiful park below the building.
📅Opening Hours: Every day except Monday 10:00am-8:00pm
WARNING Monday closed
From the Fundació Joan Miró - Pl Neptú (direction Pl. Espanya) stop, the Bus 150 takes you to Pl Espanya - Fira Barcelona. Go here to the Tarragona - Pl Espanya (direction Canyelles) stop. You will be picked up by bus D40, which will take you half an hour to the final stop, Riera de Cassoles/Carolines. Casa Vicens is only 100 metres from the stop.
Casa Vicens is considered Antoni Gaudí's first major architectural work and one of the early examples of Catalan Modernism. Built between 1883 and 1885 for the wealthy ceramic tile merchant Manel Vicens i Montaner, this summer villa represents a fascinating blend of influences that would later become characteristic of Gaudí's work.
Architectural elements and artistic inspiration
Gaudí experimented with a variety of styles in Casa Vicens, particularly with Neo-Mudéjar (Islamic) aesthetics, Art Nouveau details and natural influences. The building is decorated with colorful ceramic tiles with marigold flower motifs, inspired by the vegetation originally growing on the property. This predilection for linking architecture with nature was later fully developed in his other works, such as Park Güell and the Sagrada Familia.
The facade combines geometric patterns, arabesques and traditional Catalan brick elements, creating a harmony between historical and innovative techniques. Gaudi's study of metalwork is reflected in the detailed iron grilles and gates, whose organic shapes evoke the leaves of palm trees.
Interior: a play of light, colour and shape
Inside Casa Vicens, Gaudí has created richly decorated spaces full of symbolism and decorative elements. The ceilings and walls are covered in hand-painted ornaments with floral and geometric motifs, reflecting Gaudí's fascination with natural patterns. The use of wood, metal and ceramic mosaics (trencadís) foreshadow his later masterpieces.
An interesting feature is the stucco reliefs on the walls, depicting birds and flowers, which highlight Gaudí's desire to create a seamless connection between the interior and exterior. The space is designed to make the most of natural light, which was revolutionary at the time.
Casa Vicens as the beginning of Gaudí's journey
Casa Vicens represents a key moment in Gaudí's career - it was his first major project in which he showed his bold and experimental approach to architecture. This house became the foundation of his unique style, which later culminated in iconic buildings such as Casa Batlló, Casa Milà and the famous Sagrada Familia.
Today, Casa Vicens is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and functions as a museum, offering visitors a unique insight into the beginnings of one of the most important architects of all time.
From the Gran de Gràcia - Pl Trilla (towards El Carmel) stop, the Bus 24 will take you to the Ctra del Carmel - Albert Llanas stop. It is then just a short walk away.
Another of Antonio Gaudi's creations, originally intended as a garden city project, but this never came to fruition and so the park remained a park with a beautiful symbiosis of Gaudi's architecture with nature.
I recommend, as we did, to visit in the late afternoon and wait until night. The views are worth it either way. Despite being open only until 7:30pm, we were not chased out of the park and were able to stay as long as we could see the road.
📅Opening Hours: 9:30am-7:30pm daily
Back to your accommodation you will take the L3 metro from Lesseps stop (direction Zona Universitària), which is a short walk away. You will get off just a short walk from the accommodation at the Paral-lel.
Today is the last day. To say goodbye, take a stroll down the iconic La Rambla, where they have amazing ice cream. Take a peek at the famous Arc de Triomf and head straight to the airport and home.
If you want, it is about 15-20 min walk. You can take a walk like we did in the morning.
If you prefer a more comfortable journey, you can get on the well-known L3 metro line first thing in the morning at the Paral-lel (direction Trinitat Nova) stop and get off in a few minutes at Liceu.
I highly recommend this ice cream shop! So many ways to build your own ice cream... There's also the option to buy chocolate from the movie Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. 🍪
La Rambla is perhaps the most popular street in Barcelona. It is 1.2 km long and contains many shops, restaurants, street performers, etc.
Another large square worth visiting. It is considered the centre of the city. We just had a quick walk through it and it was enough.
There is a metro stop L1 - Plaça de Catalunya (direction Fondo) right on the square. From there, it's just a short ride to the Arc de Triomf
The Arc de Triomphe was built on the occasion of the World's Fair in 1888 and was the entrance to the Exhibition Grounds.
The whole square around it is worth a short walk.
The metro line L1 runs alongside the Arc de Triomf and takes you to the square, where there are services to the airport. Just get on at the Arc de Triomf stop (direction Hospital de Bellvitge) and get off at Pl. Espanya.
Now, before heading to the airport, is the last chance to have a look around Barcelona. It's time to take the last photos and say goodbye.
Bus 46 departs from Pl Espanya - FGC. The journey takes just over half an hour.
Discover Barcelona, a city where unique architecture and a rich artistic heritage intertwine! Admire Antoni Gaudí's masterpieces, including the iconic Sagrada Familia and the colourful Parc Güell. Explore the footsteps of Pablo Picasso and Joan Miró in the galleries that bring their work to life, and be swept away by the vibrant atmosphere of the city's streets full of inspiration. Stroll through the Gothic Quarter, where history comes alive in stone facades and hidden courtyards. Barcelona is an art and architecture lover's paradise - be enchanted by its beauty at every turn!
On arrival, you will check in. If you have enough time today, make the most of it, you are in one of the most interesting and culturally rich places in Europe, so make the most of every moment by visiting the city.
You can get to the city from the airport on the A1 or A2 buses, but these are not part of the city's public transport system and are not covered by the Hola Barcelona card. I recommend taking the Bus 46 which will take you directly to the city centre to the Pl Espanya - Av Reina Maria Cristina stop.
Today will be dedicated to discovering Barcelona's rich cultural heritage. You will visit the National Art Museum of Catalonia, which houses important collections of Romanesque, Gothic and modern art. You'll explore the dynamic street art scene that reflects the city's creative spirit, while sampling traditional Catalan gastronomy that combines historical influences with modern culinary innovations. The highlight of the day will be a visit to Barcelona's architectural gem, the Sagrada Familia, Antoni Gaudí's masterpiece that is not only an icon of the city but also a symbol of Catalan modernism.
At the very beginning you will see the famous square, which can also be considered a transport hub. At the centre of the square is a statue by architect Josep Maria Jujol, a collaborator of Antoni Gaudí. It is then dominated by two 47-metre high Venetian towers, opposite which stands the former bullfighting arena, the Arenas de Barcelona (now a mall). The entire square overlooks the Catalan National Art Museum.
Plaça d'Espanya is one of the most important and architecturally impressive squares in Barcelona. It was built in 1929 on the occasion of the World Exhibition (Exposición Internacional) and its urban layout reflects the grandiose vision of the modern city. The square is dominated by a monumental fountain designed by Joseph Maria Jujol, a pupil and collaborator of Antoni Gaudí. This fountain, with its classical elements and allegorical sculptures, symbolizes the different regions of Spain - the water flowing from different parts represents the seas and rivers of the country.
The square is surrounded by impressive buildings, including the former bullring, Arenas de Barcelona, which has been converted into a modern shopping centre with panoramic views. In addition, there are two monumental Venetian towers inspired by the bell tower in Piazza San Marco in Venice, which form the gateway to the main Montjuïc exhibition area. It is here that the wide boulevard Avinguda de la Reina Maria Cristina leads, ending with the imposing Palau Nacional, home to the National Art Museum of Catalonia (MNAC). The entire space was designed to evoke the grandeur and cultural richness of Barcelona and remains one of the key points of the city's architecture to this day.
A short walk up the hill from the square is the Barcelona Pavilion, built in 1929 for the World's Fair. It was designed by architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, best known as the architect of the Villa Tugendhat in Brno. This German pavilion was demolished immediately after the exhibition of its year, and today a replica, rebuilt in 1986, stands on the site.
The pavilion is small and can be viewed from the outside without buying an entrance fee.
📅 Opening Hours: Every day 10:00-14:00h
Just a short distance behind the Pavilion is the landmark of the square, the National Art Museum of Catalonia. A guided tour is available if you wish, which we did not take. The museum is housed in the National Palace building at the foot of Montjuïc hill, which, like the aforementioned Pavilion, was opened in 1929 for the Exposició Internacional de Barcelona.
👉 Price depends on the type of tour you choose. It is possible to visit only parts of the museum.
📅Opening hours. WARNING closed on Mondays
The unmistakable statue of a stray cat, El Gato de Botero, by Colombian artist Fernando Botero, is undoubtedly one of the symbols of street art in Barcelona.
Be prepared before visiting the landmark of Barcelona. That's why it's impossible not to try something good at the market on your way.
This is the oldest market in Barcelona (the history of this market dates back to 1217) It is possible to buy practically anything you fancy from seafood, fruit and vegetables to sweets, dairy products, meat, cheese, etc.
📅 Opening hours: Every day except Sunday 8:00-20:30h
ATTENTION CLOSED SUNDAY
The subway lines are pretty combinable for this trip. We first used the L3 metro from the Liceu (direction Trinitat Nova) stop to the Diagonal stop, where we changed to the L5 (direction Vall d'Hebron) line to the Sagrada Familia stop.
Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí's most important building, the Sagrada Familia, is a temple that many visitors come to Barcelona to see. Despite the fact that its construction began in 1882, the temple is still not finished. This can be used as an excuse for the prohibitively expensive tickets, as buying a ticket will support the aforementioned construction.
The Familia was intended by A. Gaudí to have three facades - the Nativity, the Passion and the Resurrection. The first facade to be completed is the Nativity facade, and we nearly wrung our necks looking at it from below. The interior is definitely worth buying tickets for. We recommend visiting the temple during the sunniest possible morning or afternoon when the interior is bursting with colour. We bought tickets that included entry to the tower, which we can also only recommend. The views were worth it.
The Sagrada Família, the masterpiece of Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí, is one of the most important symbols of Barcelona and a supreme example of Art Nouveau architecture. Its construction began in 1882 and continues to this day, with completion scheduled for 2026, the centenary of Gaudí's death.
The original project was designed by architect Francisco de Paula del Villar in the Neo-Gothic style, but after his resignation, Gaudí took the lead and completely reworked the design into a revolutionary and organic style inspired by nature. Gaudí's vision included 18 towers symbolizing the twelve apostles, the four evangelists, the Virgin Mary, and the tallest tower dedicated to Jesus Christ, which, when completed, will reach 172.5 meters in height, making the Sagrada Família the tallest church in the world.
The church is known for its three monumental facades: the Nativity, the Passion and the Glory. The facade of the Nativity, completed during Gaudi's lifetime, is richly decorated and celebrates the birth of Christ. The facade of the Passion, completed in 1976, is austere and dramatic in appearance, depicting Christ's Passion. The façade of Glory, still unfinished, will be the largest, symbolizing the heavenly glory of Jesus Christ.
The interior of the temple is designed to resemble a forest, with vaulted ceilings and columns branching out like trees. Stained glass windows filter the light and create a fascinating play of colours inside the temple, which changes depending on the time of day and the intensity of the sunlight.
Directly at the Sagrada, walk to the L2 metro station called Sagrada Familia(direction Paral-lel) and get off at the Paral-lel stop. From there, it's just a short walk to your accommodation.
You'll start the day with an early morning sunrise view on one of Barcelona's picturesque beaches, where you'll enjoy the tranquil atmosphere of a city awakening. In the morning, visit the Hospital de Sant Pau, a masterpiece of Catalan Art Nouveau and one of Barcelona's most important architectural complexes, followed by a view of the city from a lesser-known but impressive vantage point off the tourist trails. In the afternoon, you will immerse yourself in the fascinating world of Antoni Gaudí, discovering the unique organic lines and symbolism of his famous houses, Casa Milà and Casa Batlló. End the day at the legendary Marsella Bar, renowned for its historic charm, where greats such as Pablo Picasso and Ernest Hemingway once exchanged ideas over a glass of absinthe.
Barceloneta is one of the most famous beaches in Barcelona. I believe it must be crowded during the day in summer. However, if you head here early in the morning like we did, apart from a few athletes or walking your four-legged pets, you'll have the beautiful views to yourself.
While walking on the beach, we came across this place where we enjoyed and waited for the sun to peek out properly, enjoyed a relaxing morning and then moved on.
It's important to have breakfast first thing in the morning, and we discovered a cozy little place called La Roseta just a short walk from the beach on an unassuming street. There is the option to sit down and eat breakfast in peace on the spot, but we recommend taking something to go and eating it a short walk away with a view of the sunrise on the beach.
📅Opening Hours: 8:00-14:30
Before we had a good walk on the beaches and had breakfast, it was already getting light. Even the water wasn't that cold and one could swim at will with a view of the tower that featured in the movie Bird Box.
With the statue of Columbus
But if you're tempted to see the statue up close, you can walk less than half an hour along the harbour.
Without the Columbus statue
The trip to the Columbus statue can be skipped. We were happy to walk around, but if you don't feel like it and it's enough to just see the statue from the bus in the morning, you can go straight from the beach to the next location. First, you have to walk about 10 minutes along the harbor to the L4 Barceloneta metro stop (direction Trinitat Nova) from where it's a 13-minute walk to the Guinardó | Hospital de Sant Pau stop. From the bus stop, you can walk a few more minutes.
Who hasn't heard of Christopher Columbus... His statue commemorates his journey to discover the New World. Located at the end of the famous La Rambla, it was erected in 1888 and points towards America.
Just a short walk from the roundabout where Columbus is, there is also a metro stop L3, which you take at Drassanes (direction Trinitat Nova) and get to the Diagonal stop. There, you change to the L5 line and take the Sant Pau | Dos de Maig line for about 4 minutes to the final stop. From there, it's less than a 5-minute walk.
The former Hospital de Sant Pau is one of the most important works of Catalan modernist architecture, built between 1901 and 1930 to a design by the architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner. This large complex, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is an example of the perfect integration of functionality and aesthetics.
Hospital de Sant Pau is made up of a series of separate pavilions, connected by underground passages and surrounded by beautiful gardens. The whole area has been designed to best meet the needs of the patients while being pleasant for their well-being. Architect Montaner used modernist elements such as coloured ceramic tiles, arches, stained glass and ornamental details that were unusual for hospital buildings at the time.
For visitors, it is fascinating that the entire complex, whose appearance is more reminiscent of a palace or garden city than a traditional hospital, offers a profound contrast to typical, sterile hospital environments. A tour of the entire complex provides a glimpse not only of the beauty of the architecture, but also of the innovative approach to the design of medical facilities in the early 20th century.
📅Opening Hours: Daily 9:30am-6:30pm
From the hospital we moved more north to the bunkers. There's a V23 bus going there. You get on at the Cartagena - Av Gaudi stop and in 20 minutes you get off at Montserrat de Casanovas - Passerell. From there it is only a 1 km walk uphill.
This place is not as touristy as you might expect with such a beautiful view. We only met a few groups of people here, either locals or tourists. Despite the fact that we were under a cloud that day the view in all directions was really worth it.
The bunkers here were built in the first half of the 20th century during the Spanish Civil War. Their purpose was to protect Barcelona from so-called carpet bombing raids.
From the bunkers to the next location, there is a direct bus 39 service. Urquinaona and 20 minutes later get off at Pau Claris - Rosselló. Just around the corner is Casa Mila.
Another iconic work by Antonio Gaudi. This is the last building he built before dedicating the rest of his life to the Sagrada Familia. It combines elements of Art Nouveau, Cubism, Gothic and Baroque.
We deliberately bought the tour towards the evening and highly recommend it. The lighting throughout the building is more magical than during the day. It also gives you a view of Barcelona at night from the beautiful rooftop.
Casa Batlló is a modernist house, the construction of which began in 1904. Gaudi often worked with elements of nature during his work. In this particular case, it can be noticed that parts of the house look like bones from the outside. We personally skipped the tour of the house. However, if you do take the tour, visit Casa Batlló before Casa Mila to catch everything.
Just next to the last stop is the L3 metro station called Passeig de Gràcia (direction Zona Universitària), from where you take 3 minutes to the Liceu stop. Bar Marsella is a 5-minute walk away.
Bar Marsella is famous for being the drinking haunt of Pablo Picasso, one of the most famous painters of all time, and Hemingway, the famous writer. In the evening we set out to end the day in their footsteps. We tried the classic drinky and abisnth, which the bar is also famous for. The atmosphere was amazing!
📅Opening hours: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 17:00-00:00h, Friday, Saturday, Sunday 17:00-1:30h
WARNING closed on MondaysThe best way back to your accommodation is on foot. It will only take you about 10 minutes.
Today's day will be dedicated to art in its various forms. You'll start at the Picasso Museum, which houses one of the most important collections of early works by the Cubist master and provides a unique insight into his artistic development. From here you will move on to the Fundació Joan Miró, where you will discover the surrealist compositions of this famous Catalan artist, including his interpretation of Las Meninas, inspired by Velázquez. Your next stop will be Casa Vicens, Antoni Gaudí's first major work, which marks the beginning of his unique architectural style. At the end of the day, ascend to the famous Park Güell, where you will enjoy panoramic views of Barcelona in all its glory at sunset.
From the Paral-lel - Margarit stop (direction Pg. Marítim) take the bus D20 to the Pla de Palau stop. You will then walk to the site. The journey will take a total of 22 minutes.
The museum of one of the most important personalities of 20th century art, Spanish-born Pablo Picasso, who is considered the founder of Cubism, is not to be missed. It contains his work from perhaps all creative periods. For example, one entire room is devoted to sketches and studies by Las Meninas.
I recommend buying a ticket that includes both the Picasso Museum and the Fundació Joan Miró. It works out cheaper + one of Picasso's most famous works Las Meninas is located up at Fundació Joan Miró. (Some days have free admission in the afternoon, these change with the season).
📅Opening hours:Tuesday, Wednesday, Sunday - 9:00am-8:00pm
.Thursday, Friday, Saturday - 9:00-21:00h
WARNING Monday closed
From the museum you can walk a short distance to the L4 metro line. You will go from the Jaume I stop (direction Trinitat Nova) to the Urquinaona station. Here you will change at the Pl Urquinaona - Pau Claris (direction Parc de Montjuïc) stop for the Bus 55, from where you will take the Av Miramar - Fundació Joan Miró.
Joan Miró i Ferrà was, like Picasso, a Catalan painter, printmaker and sculptor. Initially, he was more interested in painting in the style of Cubism and later in Surrealism. The museum exhibits not only his works but also those of Picasso.
We were very pleasantly surprised by the whole space. There were many more works than we expected.
We recommend a walk through the beautiful park below the building.
📅Opening Hours: Every day except Monday 10:00am-8:00pm
WARNING Monday closed
From the Fundació Joan Miró - Pl Neptú (direction Pl. Espanya) stop, the Bus 150 takes you to Pl Espanya - Fira Barcelona. Go here to the Tarragona - Pl Espanya (direction Canyelles) stop. You will be picked up by bus D40, which will take you half an hour to the final stop, Riera de Cassoles/Carolines. Casa Vicens is only 100 metres from the stop.
Casa Vicens is considered Antoni Gaudí's first major architectural work and one of the early examples of Catalan Modernism. Built between 1883 and 1885 for the wealthy ceramic tile merchant Manel Vicens i Montaner, this summer villa represents a fascinating blend of influences that would later become characteristic of Gaudí's work.
Architectural elements and artistic inspiration
Gaudí experimented with a variety of styles in Casa Vicens, particularly with Neo-Mudéjar (Islamic) aesthetics, Art Nouveau details and natural influences. The building is decorated with colorful ceramic tiles with marigold flower motifs, inspired by the vegetation originally growing on the property. This predilection for linking architecture with nature was later fully developed in his other works, such as Park Güell and the Sagrada Familia.
The facade combines geometric patterns, arabesques and traditional Catalan brick elements, creating a harmony between historical and innovative techniques. Gaudi's study of metalwork is reflected in the detailed iron grilles and gates, whose organic shapes evoke the leaves of palm trees.
Interior: a play of light, colour and shape
Inside Casa Vicens, Gaudí has created richly decorated spaces full of symbolism and decorative elements. The ceilings and walls are covered in hand-painted ornaments with floral and geometric motifs, reflecting Gaudí's fascination with natural patterns. The use of wood, metal and ceramic mosaics (trencadís) foreshadow his later masterpieces.
An interesting feature is the stucco reliefs on the walls, depicting birds and flowers, which highlight Gaudí's desire to create a seamless connection between the interior and exterior. The space is designed to make the most of natural light, which was revolutionary at the time.
Casa Vicens as the beginning of Gaudí's journey
Casa Vicens represents a key moment in Gaudí's career - it was his first major project in which he showed his bold and experimental approach to architecture. This house became the foundation of his unique style, which later culminated in iconic buildings such as Casa Batlló, Casa Milà and the famous Sagrada Familia.
Today, Casa Vicens is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and functions as a museum, offering visitors a unique insight into the beginnings of one of the most important architects of all time.
From the Gran de Gràcia - Pl Trilla (towards El Carmel) stop, the Bus 24 will take you to the Ctra del Carmel - Albert Llanas stop. It is then just a short walk away.
Another of Antonio Gaudi's creations, originally intended as a garden city project, but this never came to fruition and so the park remained a park with a beautiful symbiosis of Gaudi's architecture with nature.
I recommend, as we did, to visit in the late afternoon and wait until night. The views are worth it either way. Despite being open only until 7:30pm, we were not chased out of the park and were able to stay as long as we could see the road.
📅Opening Hours: 9:30am-7:30pm daily
Back to your accommodation you will take the L3 metro from Lesseps stop (direction Zona Universitària), which is a short walk away. You will get off just a short walk from the accommodation at the Paral-lel.
Today is the last day. To say goodbye, take a stroll down the iconic La Rambla, where they have amazing ice cream. Take a peek at the famous Arc de Triomf and head straight to the airport and home.
If you want, it is about 15-20 min walk. You can take a walk like we did in the morning.
If you prefer a more comfortable journey, you can get on the well-known L3 metro line first thing in the morning at the Paral-lel (direction Trinitat Nova) stop and get off in a few minutes at Liceu.
I highly recommend this ice cream shop! So many ways to build your own ice cream... There's also the option to buy chocolate from the movie Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. 🍪
La Rambla is perhaps the most popular street in Barcelona. It is 1.2 km long and contains many shops, restaurants, street performers, etc.
Another large square worth visiting. It is considered the centre of the city. We just had a quick walk through it and it was enough.
There is a metro stop L1 - Plaça de Catalunya (direction Fondo) right on the square. From there, it's just a short ride to the Arc de Triomf
The Arc de Triomphe was built on the occasion of the World's Fair in 1888 and was the entrance to the Exhibition Grounds.
The whole square around it is worth a short walk.
The metro line L1 runs alongside the Arc de Triomf and takes you to the square, where there are services to the airport. Just get on at the Arc de Triomf stop (direction Hospital de Bellvitge) and get off at Pl. Espanya.
Now, before heading to the airport, is the last chance to have a look around Barcelona. It's time to take the last photos and say goodbye.
Bus 46 departs from Pl Espanya - FGC. The journey takes just over half an hour.
itinerary by szegenyovaa
The adventure awaits
Discover Barcelona, a city where unique architecture and a rich artistic heritage intertwine! Admire Antoni Gaudí's masterpieces, including the iconic Sagrada Familia and the colourful Parc Güell. Explore the footsteps of Pablo Picasso and Joan Miró in the galleries that bring their work to life, and be swept away by the vibrant atmosphere of the city's streets full of inspiration. Stroll through the Gothic Quarter, where history comes alive in stone facades and hidden courtyards. Barcelona is an art and architecture lover's paradise - be enchanted by its beauty at every turn!
On arrival, you will check in. If you have enough time today, make the most of it, you are in one of the most interesting and culturally rich places in Europe, so make the most of every moment by visiting the city.
You can get to the city from the airport on the A1 or A2 buses, but these are not part of the city's public transport system and are not covered by the Hola Barcelona card. I recommend taking the Bus 46 which will take you directly to the city centre to the Pl Espanya - Av Reina Maria Cristina stop.
Today will be dedicated to discovering Barcelona's rich cultural heritage. You will visit the National Art Museum of Catalonia, which houses important collections of Romanesque, Gothic and modern art. You'll explore the dynamic street art scene that reflects the city's creative spirit, while sampling traditional Catalan gastronomy that combines historical influences with modern culinary innovations. The highlight of the day will be a visit to Barcelona's architectural gem, the Sagrada Familia, Antoni Gaudí's masterpiece that is not only an icon of the city but also a symbol of Catalan modernism.
At the very beginning you will see the famous square, which can also be considered a transport hub. At the centre of the square is a statue by architect Josep Maria Jujol, a collaborator of Antoni Gaudí. It is then dominated by two 47-metre high Venetian towers, opposite which stands the former bullfighting arena, the Arenas de Barcelona (now a mall). The entire square overlooks the Catalan National Art Museum.
Plaça d'Espanya is one of the most important and architecturally impressive squares in Barcelona. It was built in 1929 on the occasion of the World Exhibition (Exposición Internacional) and its urban layout reflects the grandiose vision of the modern city. The square is dominated by a monumental fountain designed by Joseph Maria Jujol, a pupil and collaborator of Antoni Gaudí. This fountain, with its classical elements and allegorical sculptures, symbolizes the different regions of Spain - the water flowing from different parts represents the seas and rivers of the country.
The square is surrounded by impressive buildings, including the former bullring, Arenas de Barcelona, which has been converted into a modern shopping centre with panoramic views. In addition, there are two monumental Venetian towers inspired by the bell tower in Piazza San Marco in Venice, which form the gateway to the main Montjuïc exhibition area. It is here that the wide boulevard Avinguda de la Reina Maria Cristina leads, ending with the imposing Palau Nacional, home to the National Art Museum of Catalonia (MNAC). The entire space was designed to evoke the grandeur and cultural richness of Barcelona and remains one of the key points of the city's architecture to this day.
A short walk up the hill from the square is the Barcelona Pavilion, built in 1929 for the World's Fair. It was designed by architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, best known as the architect of the Villa Tugendhat in Brno. This German pavilion was demolished immediately after the exhibition of its year, and today a replica, rebuilt in 1986, stands on the site.
The pavilion is small and can be viewed from the outside without buying an entrance fee.
📅 Opening Hours: Every day 10:00-14:00h
Just a short distance behind the Pavilion is the landmark of the square, the National Art Museum of Catalonia. A guided tour is available if you wish, which we did not take. The museum is housed in the National Palace building at the foot of Montjuïc hill, which, like the aforementioned Pavilion, was opened in 1929 for the Exposició Internacional de Barcelona.
👉 Price depends on the type of tour you choose. It is possible to visit only parts of the museum.
📅Opening hours. WARNING closed on Mondays
The unmistakable statue of a stray cat, El Gato de Botero, by Colombian artist Fernando Botero, is undoubtedly one of the symbols of street art in Barcelona.
Be prepared before visiting the landmark of Barcelona. That's why it's impossible not to try something good at the market on your way.
This is the oldest market in Barcelona (the history of this market dates back to 1217) It is possible to buy practically anything you fancy from seafood, fruit and vegetables to sweets, dairy products, meat, cheese, etc.
📅 Opening hours: Every day except Sunday 8:00-20:30h
ATTENTION CLOSED SUNDAY
The subway lines are pretty combinable for this trip. We first used the L3 metro from the Liceu (direction Trinitat Nova) stop to the Diagonal stop, where we changed to the L5 (direction Vall d'Hebron) line to the Sagrada Familia stop.
Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí's most important building, the Sagrada Familia, is a temple that many visitors come to Barcelona to see. Despite the fact that its construction began in 1882, the temple is still not finished. This can be used as an excuse for the prohibitively expensive tickets, as buying a ticket will support the aforementioned construction.
The Familia was intended by A. Gaudí to have three facades - the Nativity, the Passion and the Resurrection. The first facade to be completed is the Nativity facade, and we nearly wrung our necks looking at it from below. The interior is definitely worth buying tickets for. We recommend visiting the temple during the sunniest possible morning or afternoon when the interior is bursting with colour. We bought tickets that included entry to the tower, which we can also only recommend. The views were worth it.
The Sagrada Família, the masterpiece of Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí, is one of the most important symbols of Barcelona and a supreme example of Art Nouveau architecture. Its construction began in 1882 and continues to this day, with completion scheduled for 2026, the centenary of Gaudí's death.
The original project was designed by architect Francisco de Paula del Villar in the Neo-Gothic style, but after his resignation, Gaudí took the lead and completely reworked the design into a revolutionary and organic style inspired by nature. Gaudí's vision included 18 towers symbolizing the twelve apostles, the four evangelists, the Virgin Mary, and the tallest tower dedicated to Jesus Christ, which, when completed, will reach 172.5 meters in height, making the Sagrada Família the tallest church in the world.
The church is known for its three monumental facades: the Nativity, the Passion and the Glory. The facade of the Nativity, completed during Gaudi's lifetime, is richly decorated and celebrates the birth of Christ. The facade of the Passion, completed in 1976, is austere and dramatic in appearance, depicting Christ's Passion. The façade of Glory, still unfinished, will be the largest, symbolizing the heavenly glory of Jesus Christ.
The interior of the temple is designed to resemble a forest, with vaulted ceilings and columns branching out like trees. Stained glass windows filter the light and create a fascinating play of colours inside the temple, which changes depending on the time of day and the intensity of the sunlight.
Directly at the Sagrada, walk to the L2 metro station called Sagrada Familia(direction Paral-lel) and get off at the Paral-lel stop. From there, it's just a short walk to your accommodation.
You'll start the day with an early morning sunrise view on one of Barcelona's picturesque beaches, where you'll enjoy the tranquil atmosphere of a city awakening. In the morning, visit the Hospital de Sant Pau, a masterpiece of Catalan Art Nouveau and one of Barcelona's most important architectural complexes, followed by a view of the city from a lesser-known but impressive vantage point off the tourist trails. In the afternoon, you will immerse yourself in the fascinating world of Antoni Gaudí, discovering the unique organic lines and symbolism of his famous houses, Casa Milà and Casa Batlló. End the day at the legendary Marsella Bar, renowned for its historic charm, where greats such as Pablo Picasso and Ernest Hemingway once exchanged ideas over a glass of absinthe.
Barceloneta is one of the most famous beaches in Barcelona. I believe it must be crowded during the day in summer. However, if you head here early in the morning like we did, apart from a few athletes or walking your four-legged pets, you'll have the beautiful views to yourself.
While walking on the beach, we came across this place where we enjoyed and waited for the sun to peek out properly, enjoyed a relaxing morning and then moved on.
It's important to have breakfast first thing in the morning, and we discovered a cozy little place called La Roseta just a short walk from the beach on an unassuming street. There is the option to sit down and eat breakfast in peace on the spot, but we recommend taking something to go and eating it a short walk away with a view of the sunrise on the beach.
📅Opening Hours: 8:00-14:30
Before we had a good walk on the beaches and had breakfast, it was already getting light. Even the water wasn't that cold and one could swim at will with a view of the tower that featured in the movie Bird Box.
With the statue of Columbus
But if you're tempted to see the statue up close, you can walk less than half an hour along the harbour.
Without the Columbus statue
The trip to the Columbus statue can be skipped. We were happy to walk around, but if you don't feel like it and it's enough to just see the statue from the bus in the morning, you can go straight from the beach to the next location. First, you have to walk about 10 minutes along the harbor to the L4 Barceloneta metro stop (direction Trinitat Nova) from where it's a 13-minute walk to the Guinardó | Hospital de Sant Pau stop. From the bus stop, you can walk a few more minutes.
Who hasn't heard of Christopher Columbus... His statue commemorates his journey to discover the New World. Located at the end of the famous La Rambla, it was erected in 1888 and points towards America.
Just a short walk from the roundabout where Columbus is, there is also a metro stop L3, which you take at Drassanes (direction Trinitat Nova) and get to the Diagonal stop. There, you change to the L5 line and take the Sant Pau | Dos de Maig line for about 4 minutes to the final stop. From there, it's less than a 5-minute walk.
The former Hospital de Sant Pau is one of the most important works of Catalan modernist architecture, built between 1901 and 1930 to a design by the architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner. This large complex, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is an example of the perfect integration of functionality and aesthetics.
Hospital de Sant Pau is made up of a series of separate pavilions, connected by underground passages and surrounded by beautiful gardens. The whole area has been designed to best meet the needs of the patients while being pleasant for their well-being. Architect Montaner used modernist elements such as coloured ceramic tiles, arches, stained glass and ornamental details that were unusual for hospital buildings at the time.
For visitors, it is fascinating that the entire complex, whose appearance is more reminiscent of a palace or garden city than a traditional hospital, offers a profound contrast to typical, sterile hospital environments. A tour of the entire complex provides a glimpse not only of the beauty of the architecture, but also of the innovative approach to the design of medical facilities in the early 20th century.
📅Opening Hours: Daily 9:30am-6:30pm
From the hospital we moved more north to the bunkers. There's a V23 bus going there. You get on at the Cartagena - Av Gaudi stop and in 20 minutes you get off at Montserrat de Casanovas - Passerell. From there it is only a 1 km walk uphill.
This place is not as touristy as you might expect with such a beautiful view. We only met a few groups of people here, either locals or tourists. Despite the fact that we were under a cloud that day the view in all directions was really worth it.
The bunkers here were built in the first half of the 20th century during the Spanish Civil War. Their purpose was to protect Barcelona from so-called carpet bombing raids.
From the bunkers to the next location, there is a direct bus 39 service. Urquinaona and 20 minutes later get off at Pau Claris - Rosselló. Just around the corner is Casa Mila.
Another iconic work by Antonio Gaudi. This is the last building he built before dedicating the rest of his life to the Sagrada Familia. It combines elements of Art Nouveau, Cubism, Gothic and Baroque.
We deliberately bought the tour towards the evening and highly recommend it. The lighting throughout the building is more magical than during the day. It also gives you a view of Barcelona at night from the beautiful rooftop.
Casa Batlló is a modernist house, the construction of which began in 1904. Gaudi often worked with elements of nature during his work. In this particular case, it can be noticed that parts of the house look like bones from the outside. We personally skipped the tour of the house. However, if you do take the tour, visit Casa Batlló before Casa Mila to catch everything.
Just next to the last stop is the L3 metro station called Passeig de Gràcia (direction Zona Universitària), from where you take 3 minutes to the Liceu stop. Bar Marsella is a 5-minute walk away.
Bar Marsella is famous for being the drinking haunt of Pablo Picasso, one of the most famous painters of all time, and Hemingway, the famous writer. In the evening we set out to end the day in their footsteps. We tried the classic drinky and abisnth, which the bar is also famous for. The atmosphere was amazing!
📅Opening hours: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 17:00-00:00h, Friday, Saturday, Sunday 17:00-1:30h
WARNING closed on MondaysThe best way back to your accommodation is on foot. It will only take you about 10 minutes.
Today's day will be dedicated to art in its various forms. You'll start at the Picasso Museum, which houses one of the most important collections of early works by the Cubist master and provides a unique insight into his artistic development. From here you will move on to the Fundació Joan Miró, where you will discover the surrealist compositions of this famous Catalan artist, including his interpretation of Las Meninas, inspired by Velázquez. Your next stop will be Casa Vicens, Antoni Gaudí's first major work, which marks the beginning of his unique architectural style. At the end of the day, ascend to the famous Park Güell, where you will enjoy panoramic views of Barcelona in all its glory at sunset.
From the Paral-lel - Margarit stop (direction Pg. Marítim) take the bus D20 to the Pla de Palau stop. You will then walk to the site. The journey will take a total of 22 minutes.
The museum of one of the most important personalities of 20th century art, Spanish-born Pablo Picasso, who is considered the founder of Cubism, is not to be missed. It contains his work from perhaps all creative periods. For example, one entire room is devoted to sketches and studies by Las Meninas.
I recommend buying a ticket that includes both the Picasso Museum and the Fundació Joan Miró. It works out cheaper + one of Picasso's most famous works Las Meninas is located up at Fundació Joan Miró. (Some days have free admission in the afternoon, these change with the season).
📅Opening hours:Tuesday, Wednesday, Sunday - 9:00am-8:00pm
.Thursday, Friday, Saturday - 9:00-21:00h
WARNING Monday closed
From the museum you can walk a short distance to the L4 metro line. You will go from the Jaume I stop (direction Trinitat Nova) to the Urquinaona station. Here you will change at the Pl Urquinaona - Pau Claris (direction Parc de Montjuïc) stop for the Bus 55, from where you will take the Av Miramar - Fundació Joan Miró.
Joan Miró i Ferrà was, like Picasso, a Catalan painter, printmaker and sculptor. Initially, he was more interested in painting in the style of Cubism and later in Surrealism. The museum exhibits not only his works but also those of Picasso.
We were very pleasantly surprised by the whole space. There were many more works than we expected.
We recommend a walk through the beautiful park below the building.
📅Opening Hours: Every day except Monday 10:00am-8:00pm
WARNING Monday closed
From the Fundació Joan Miró - Pl Neptú (direction Pl. Espanya) stop, the Bus 150 takes you to Pl Espanya - Fira Barcelona. Go here to the Tarragona - Pl Espanya (direction Canyelles) stop. You will be picked up by bus D40, which will take you half an hour to the final stop, Riera de Cassoles/Carolines. Casa Vicens is only 100 metres from the stop.
Casa Vicens is considered Antoni Gaudí's first major architectural work and one of the early examples of Catalan Modernism. Built between 1883 and 1885 for the wealthy ceramic tile merchant Manel Vicens i Montaner, this summer villa represents a fascinating blend of influences that would later become characteristic of Gaudí's work.
Architectural elements and artistic inspiration
Gaudí experimented with a variety of styles in Casa Vicens, particularly with Neo-Mudéjar (Islamic) aesthetics, Art Nouveau details and natural influences. The building is decorated with colorful ceramic tiles with marigold flower motifs, inspired by the vegetation originally growing on the property. This predilection for linking architecture with nature was later fully developed in his other works, such as Park Güell and the Sagrada Familia.
The facade combines geometric patterns, arabesques and traditional Catalan brick elements, creating a harmony between historical and innovative techniques. Gaudi's study of metalwork is reflected in the detailed iron grilles and gates, whose organic shapes evoke the leaves of palm trees.
Interior: a play of light, colour and shape
Inside Casa Vicens, Gaudí has created richly decorated spaces full of symbolism and decorative elements. The ceilings and walls are covered in hand-painted ornaments with floral and geometric motifs, reflecting Gaudí's fascination with natural patterns. The use of wood, metal and ceramic mosaics (trencadís) foreshadow his later masterpieces.
An interesting feature is the stucco reliefs on the walls, depicting birds and flowers, which highlight Gaudí's desire to create a seamless connection between the interior and exterior. The space is designed to make the most of natural light, which was revolutionary at the time.
Casa Vicens as the beginning of Gaudí's journey
Casa Vicens represents a key moment in Gaudí's career - it was his first major project in which he showed his bold and experimental approach to architecture. This house became the foundation of his unique style, which later culminated in iconic buildings such as Casa Batlló, Casa Milà and the famous Sagrada Familia.
Today, Casa Vicens is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and functions as a museum, offering visitors a unique insight into the beginnings of one of the most important architects of all time.
From the Gran de Gràcia - Pl Trilla (towards El Carmel) stop, the Bus 24 will take you to the Ctra del Carmel - Albert Llanas stop. It is then just a short walk away.
Another of Antonio Gaudi's creations, originally intended as a garden city project, but this never came to fruition and so the park remained a park with a beautiful symbiosis of Gaudi's architecture with nature.
I recommend, as we did, to visit in the late afternoon and wait until night. The views are worth it either way. Despite being open only until 7:30pm, we were not chased out of the park and were able to stay as long as we could see the road.
📅Opening Hours: 9:30am-7:30pm daily
Back to your accommodation you will take the L3 metro from Lesseps stop (direction Zona Universitària), which is a short walk away. You will get off just a short walk from the accommodation at the Paral-lel.
Today is the last day. To say goodbye, take a stroll down the iconic La Rambla, where they have amazing ice cream. Take a peek at the famous Arc de Triomf and head straight to the airport and home.
If you want, it is about 15-20 min walk. You can take a walk like we did in the morning.
If you prefer a more comfortable journey, you can get on the well-known L3 metro line first thing in the morning at the Paral-lel (direction Trinitat Nova) stop and get off in a few minutes at Liceu.
I highly recommend this ice cream shop! So many ways to build your own ice cream... There's also the option to buy chocolate from the movie Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. 🍪
La Rambla is perhaps the most popular street in Barcelona. It is 1.2 km long and contains many shops, restaurants, street performers, etc.
Another large square worth visiting. It is considered the centre of the city. We just had a quick walk through it and it was enough.
There is a metro stop L1 - Plaça de Catalunya (direction Fondo) right on the square. From there, it's just a short ride to the Arc de Triomf
The Arc de Triomphe was built on the occasion of the World's Fair in 1888 and was the entrance to the Exhibition Grounds.
The whole square around it is worth a short walk.
The metro line L1 runs alongside the Arc de Triomf and takes you to the square, where there are services to the airport. Just get on at the Arc de Triomf stop (direction Hospital de Bellvitge) and get off at Pl. Espanya.
Now, before heading to the airport, is the last chance to have a look around Barcelona. It's time to take the last photos and say goodbye.
Bus 46 departs from Pl Espanya - FGC. The journey takes just over half an hour.
Discover Barcelona, a city where unique architecture and a rich artistic heritage intertwine! Admire Antoni Gaudí's masterpieces, including the iconic Sagrada Familia and the colourful Parc Güell. Explore the footsteps of Pablo Picasso and Joan Miró in the galleries that bring their work to life, and be swept away by the vibrant atmosphere of the city's streets full of inspiration. Stroll through the Gothic Quarter, where history comes alive in stone facades and hidden courtyards. Barcelona is an art and architecture lover's paradise - be enchanted by its beauty at every turn!
On arrival, you will check in. If you have enough time today, make the most of it, you are in one of the most interesting and culturally rich places in Europe, so make the most of every moment by visiting the city.
You can get to the city from the airport on the A1 or A2 buses, but these are not part of the city's public transport system and are not covered by the Hola Barcelona card. I recommend taking the Bus 46 which will take you directly to the city centre to the Pl Espanya - Av Reina Maria Cristina stop.
Today will be dedicated to discovering Barcelona's rich cultural heritage. You will visit the National Art Museum of Catalonia, which houses important collections of Romanesque, Gothic and modern art. You'll explore the dynamic street art scene that reflects the city's creative spirit, while sampling traditional Catalan gastronomy that combines historical influences with modern culinary innovations. The highlight of the day will be a visit to Barcelona's architectural gem, the Sagrada Familia, Antoni Gaudí's masterpiece that is not only an icon of the city but also a symbol of Catalan modernism.
At the very beginning you will see the famous square, which can also be considered a transport hub. At the centre of the square is a statue by architect Josep Maria Jujol, a collaborator of Antoni Gaudí. It is then dominated by two 47-metre high Venetian towers, opposite which stands the former bullfighting arena, the Arenas de Barcelona (now a mall). The entire square overlooks the Catalan National Art Museum.
Plaça d'Espanya is one of the most important and architecturally impressive squares in Barcelona. It was built in 1929 on the occasion of the World Exhibition (Exposición Internacional) and its urban layout reflects the grandiose vision of the modern city. The square is dominated by a monumental fountain designed by Joseph Maria Jujol, a pupil and collaborator of Antoni Gaudí. This fountain, with its classical elements and allegorical sculptures, symbolizes the different regions of Spain - the water flowing from different parts represents the seas and rivers of the country.
The square is surrounded by impressive buildings, including the former bullring, Arenas de Barcelona, which has been converted into a modern shopping centre with panoramic views. In addition, there are two monumental Venetian towers inspired by the bell tower in Piazza San Marco in Venice, which form the gateway to the main Montjuïc exhibition area. It is here that the wide boulevard Avinguda de la Reina Maria Cristina leads, ending with the imposing Palau Nacional, home to the National Art Museum of Catalonia (MNAC). The entire space was designed to evoke the grandeur and cultural richness of Barcelona and remains one of the key points of the city's architecture to this day.
A short walk up the hill from the square is the Barcelona Pavilion, built in 1929 for the World's Fair. It was designed by architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, best known as the architect of the Villa Tugendhat in Brno. This German pavilion was demolished immediately after the exhibition of its year, and today a replica, rebuilt in 1986, stands on the site.
The pavilion is small and can be viewed from the outside without buying an entrance fee.
📅 Opening Hours: Every day 10:00-14:00h
Just a short distance behind the Pavilion is the landmark of the square, the National Art Museum of Catalonia. A guided tour is available if you wish, which we did not take. The museum is housed in the National Palace building at the foot of Montjuïc hill, which, like the aforementioned Pavilion, was opened in 1929 for the Exposició Internacional de Barcelona.
👉 Price depends on the type of tour you choose. It is possible to visit only parts of the museum.
📅Opening hours. WARNING closed on Mondays
The unmistakable statue of a stray cat, El Gato de Botero, by Colombian artist Fernando Botero, is undoubtedly one of the symbols of street art in Barcelona.
Be prepared before visiting the landmark of Barcelona. That's why it's impossible not to try something good at the market on your way.
This is the oldest market in Barcelona (the history of this market dates back to 1217) It is possible to buy practically anything you fancy from seafood, fruit and vegetables to sweets, dairy products, meat, cheese, etc.
📅 Opening hours: Every day except Sunday 8:00-20:30h
ATTENTION CLOSED SUNDAY
The subway lines are pretty combinable for this trip. We first used the L3 metro from the Liceu (direction Trinitat Nova) stop to the Diagonal stop, where we changed to the L5 (direction Vall d'Hebron) line to the Sagrada Familia stop.
Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí's most important building, the Sagrada Familia, is a temple that many visitors come to Barcelona to see. Despite the fact that its construction began in 1882, the temple is still not finished. This can be used as an excuse for the prohibitively expensive tickets, as buying a ticket will support the aforementioned construction.
The Familia was intended by A. Gaudí to have three facades - the Nativity, the Passion and the Resurrection. The first facade to be completed is the Nativity facade, and we nearly wrung our necks looking at it from below. The interior is definitely worth buying tickets for. We recommend visiting the temple during the sunniest possible morning or afternoon when the interior is bursting with colour. We bought tickets that included entry to the tower, which we can also only recommend. The views were worth it.
The Sagrada Família, the masterpiece of Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí, is one of the most important symbols of Barcelona and a supreme example of Art Nouveau architecture. Its construction began in 1882 and continues to this day, with completion scheduled for 2026, the centenary of Gaudí's death.
The original project was designed by architect Francisco de Paula del Villar in the Neo-Gothic style, but after his resignation, Gaudí took the lead and completely reworked the design into a revolutionary and organic style inspired by nature. Gaudí's vision included 18 towers symbolizing the twelve apostles, the four evangelists, the Virgin Mary, and the tallest tower dedicated to Jesus Christ, which, when completed, will reach 172.5 meters in height, making the Sagrada Família the tallest church in the world.
The church is known for its three monumental facades: the Nativity, the Passion and the Glory. The facade of the Nativity, completed during Gaudi's lifetime, is richly decorated and celebrates the birth of Christ. The facade of the Passion, completed in 1976, is austere and dramatic in appearance, depicting Christ's Passion. The façade of Glory, still unfinished, will be the largest, symbolizing the heavenly glory of Jesus Christ.
The interior of the temple is designed to resemble a forest, with vaulted ceilings and columns branching out like trees. Stained glass windows filter the light and create a fascinating play of colours inside the temple, which changes depending on the time of day and the intensity of the sunlight.
Directly at the Sagrada, walk to the L2 metro station called Sagrada Familia(direction Paral-lel) and get off at the Paral-lel stop. From there, it's just a short walk to your accommodation.
You'll start the day with an early morning sunrise view on one of Barcelona's picturesque beaches, where you'll enjoy the tranquil atmosphere of a city awakening. In the morning, visit the Hospital de Sant Pau, a masterpiece of Catalan Art Nouveau and one of Barcelona's most important architectural complexes, followed by a view of the city from a lesser-known but impressive vantage point off the tourist trails. In the afternoon, you will immerse yourself in the fascinating world of Antoni Gaudí, discovering the unique organic lines and symbolism of his famous houses, Casa Milà and Casa Batlló. End the day at the legendary Marsella Bar, renowned for its historic charm, where greats such as Pablo Picasso and Ernest Hemingway once exchanged ideas over a glass of absinthe.
Barceloneta is one of the most famous beaches in Barcelona. I believe it must be crowded during the day in summer. However, if you head here early in the morning like we did, apart from a few athletes or walking your four-legged pets, you'll have the beautiful views to yourself.
While walking on the beach, we came across this place where we enjoyed and waited for the sun to peek out properly, enjoyed a relaxing morning and then moved on.
It's important to have breakfast first thing in the morning, and we discovered a cozy little place called La Roseta just a short walk from the beach on an unassuming street. There is the option to sit down and eat breakfast in peace on the spot, but we recommend taking something to go and eating it a short walk away with a view of the sunrise on the beach.
📅Opening Hours: 8:00-14:30
Before we had a good walk on the beaches and had breakfast, it was already getting light. Even the water wasn't that cold and one could swim at will with a view of the tower that featured in the movie Bird Box.
With the statue of Columbus
But if you're tempted to see the statue up close, you can walk less than half an hour along the harbour.
Without the Columbus statue
The trip to the Columbus statue can be skipped. We were happy to walk around, but if you don't feel like it and it's enough to just see the statue from the bus in the morning, you can go straight from the beach to the next location. First, you have to walk about 10 minutes along the harbor to the L4 Barceloneta metro stop (direction Trinitat Nova) from where it's a 13-minute walk to the Guinardó | Hospital de Sant Pau stop. From the bus stop, you can walk a few more minutes.
Who hasn't heard of Christopher Columbus... His statue commemorates his journey to discover the New World. Located at the end of the famous La Rambla, it was erected in 1888 and points towards America.
Just a short walk from the roundabout where Columbus is, there is also a metro stop L3, which you take at Drassanes (direction Trinitat Nova) and get to the Diagonal stop. There, you change to the L5 line and take the Sant Pau | Dos de Maig line for about 4 minutes to the final stop. From there, it's less than a 5-minute walk.
The former Hospital de Sant Pau is one of the most important works of Catalan modernist architecture, built between 1901 and 1930 to a design by the architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner. This large complex, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is an example of the perfect integration of functionality and aesthetics.
Hospital de Sant Pau is made up of a series of separate pavilions, connected by underground passages and surrounded by beautiful gardens. The whole area has been designed to best meet the needs of the patients while being pleasant for their well-being. Architect Montaner used modernist elements such as coloured ceramic tiles, arches, stained glass and ornamental details that were unusual for hospital buildings at the time.
For visitors, it is fascinating that the entire complex, whose appearance is more reminiscent of a palace or garden city than a traditional hospital, offers a profound contrast to typical, sterile hospital environments. A tour of the entire complex provides a glimpse not only of the beauty of the architecture, but also of the innovative approach to the design of medical facilities in the early 20th century.
📅Opening Hours: Daily 9:30am-6:30pm
From the hospital we moved more north to the bunkers. There's a V23 bus going there. You get on at the Cartagena - Av Gaudi stop and in 20 minutes you get off at Montserrat de Casanovas - Passerell. From there it is only a 1 km walk uphill.
This place is not as touristy as you might expect with such a beautiful view. We only met a few groups of people here, either locals or tourists. Despite the fact that we were under a cloud that day the view in all directions was really worth it.
The bunkers here were built in the first half of the 20th century during the Spanish Civil War. Their purpose was to protect Barcelona from so-called carpet bombing raids.
From the bunkers to the next location, there is a direct bus 39 service. Urquinaona and 20 minutes later get off at Pau Claris - Rosselló. Just around the corner is Casa Mila.
Another iconic work by Antonio Gaudi. This is the last building he built before dedicating the rest of his life to the Sagrada Familia. It combines elements of Art Nouveau, Cubism, Gothic and Baroque.
We deliberately bought the tour towards the evening and highly recommend it. The lighting throughout the building is more magical than during the day. It also gives you a view of Barcelona at night from the beautiful rooftop.
Casa Batlló is a modernist house, the construction of which began in 1904. Gaudi often worked with elements of nature during his work. In this particular case, it can be noticed that parts of the house look like bones from the outside. We personally skipped the tour of the house. However, if you do take the tour, visit Casa Batlló before Casa Mila to catch everything.
Just next to the last stop is the L3 metro station called Passeig de Gràcia (direction Zona Universitària), from where you take 3 minutes to the Liceu stop. Bar Marsella is a 5-minute walk away.
Bar Marsella is famous for being the drinking haunt of Pablo Picasso, one of the most famous painters of all time, and Hemingway, the famous writer. In the evening we set out to end the day in their footsteps. We tried the classic drinky and abisnth, which the bar is also famous for. The atmosphere was amazing!
📅Opening hours: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 17:00-00:00h, Friday, Saturday, Sunday 17:00-1:30h
WARNING closed on MondaysThe best way back to your accommodation is on foot. It will only take you about 10 minutes.
Today's day will be dedicated to art in its various forms. You'll start at the Picasso Museum, which houses one of the most important collections of early works by the Cubist master and provides a unique insight into his artistic development. From here you will move on to the Fundació Joan Miró, where you will discover the surrealist compositions of this famous Catalan artist, including his interpretation of Las Meninas, inspired by Velázquez. Your next stop will be Casa Vicens, Antoni Gaudí's first major work, which marks the beginning of his unique architectural style. At the end of the day, ascend to the famous Park Güell, where you will enjoy panoramic views of Barcelona in all its glory at sunset.
From the Paral-lel - Margarit stop (direction Pg. Marítim) take the bus D20 to the Pla de Palau stop. You will then walk to the site. The journey will take a total of 22 minutes.
The museum of one of the most important personalities of 20th century art, Spanish-born Pablo Picasso, who is considered the founder of Cubism, is not to be missed. It contains his work from perhaps all creative periods. For example, one entire room is devoted to sketches and studies by Las Meninas.
I recommend buying a ticket that includes both the Picasso Museum and the Fundació Joan Miró. It works out cheaper + one of Picasso's most famous works Las Meninas is located up at Fundació Joan Miró. (Some days have free admission in the afternoon, these change with the season).
📅Opening hours:Tuesday, Wednesday, Sunday - 9:00am-8:00pm
.Thursday, Friday, Saturday - 9:00-21:00h
WARNING Monday closed
From the museum you can walk a short distance to the L4 metro line. You will go from the Jaume I stop (direction Trinitat Nova) to the Urquinaona station. Here you will change at the Pl Urquinaona - Pau Claris (direction Parc de Montjuïc) stop for the Bus 55, from where you will take the Av Miramar - Fundació Joan Miró.
Joan Miró i Ferrà was, like Picasso, a Catalan painter, printmaker and sculptor. Initially, he was more interested in painting in the style of Cubism and later in Surrealism. The museum exhibits not only his works but also those of Picasso.
We were very pleasantly surprised by the whole space. There were many more works than we expected.
We recommend a walk through the beautiful park below the building.
📅Opening Hours: Every day except Monday 10:00am-8:00pm
WARNING Monday closed
From the Fundació Joan Miró - Pl Neptú (direction Pl. Espanya) stop, the Bus 150 takes you to Pl Espanya - Fira Barcelona. Go here to the Tarragona - Pl Espanya (direction Canyelles) stop. You will be picked up by bus D40, which will take you half an hour to the final stop, Riera de Cassoles/Carolines. Casa Vicens is only 100 metres from the stop.
Casa Vicens is considered Antoni Gaudí's first major architectural work and one of the early examples of Catalan Modernism. Built between 1883 and 1885 for the wealthy ceramic tile merchant Manel Vicens i Montaner, this summer villa represents a fascinating blend of influences that would later become characteristic of Gaudí's work.
Architectural elements and artistic inspiration
Gaudí experimented with a variety of styles in Casa Vicens, particularly with Neo-Mudéjar (Islamic) aesthetics, Art Nouveau details and natural influences. The building is decorated with colorful ceramic tiles with marigold flower motifs, inspired by the vegetation originally growing on the property. This predilection for linking architecture with nature was later fully developed in his other works, such as Park Güell and the Sagrada Familia.
The facade combines geometric patterns, arabesques and traditional Catalan brick elements, creating a harmony between historical and innovative techniques. Gaudi's study of metalwork is reflected in the detailed iron grilles and gates, whose organic shapes evoke the leaves of palm trees.
Interior: a play of light, colour and shape
Inside Casa Vicens, Gaudí has created richly decorated spaces full of symbolism and decorative elements. The ceilings and walls are covered in hand-painted ornaments with floral and geometric motifs, reflecting Gaudí's fascination with natural patterns. The use of wood, metal and ceramic mosaics (trencadís) foreshadow his later masterpieces.
An interesting feature is the stucco reliefs on the walls, depicting birds and flowers, which highlight Gaudí's desire to create a seamless connection between the interior and exterior. The space is designed to make the most of natural light, which was revolutionary at the time.
Casa Vicens as the beginning of Gaudí's journey
Casa Vicens represents a key moment in Gaudí's career - it was his first major project in which he showed his bold and experimental approach to architecture. This house became the foundation of his unique style, which later culminated in iconic buildings such as Casa Batlló, Casa Milà and the famous Sagrada Familia.
Today, Casa Vicens is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and functions as a museum, offering visitors a unique insight into the beginnings of one of the most important architects of all time.
From the Gran de Gràcia - Pl Trilla (towards El Carmel) stop, the Bus 24 will take you to the Ctra del Carmel - Albert Llanas stop. It is then just a short walk away.
Another of Antonio Gaudi's creations, originally intended as a garden city project, but this never came to fruition and so the park remained a park with a beautiful symbiosis of Gaudi's architecture with nature.
I recommend, as we did, to visit in the late afternoon and wait until night. The views are worth it either way. Despite being open only until 7:30pm, we were not chased out of the park and were able to stay as long as we could see the road.
📅Opening Hours: 9:30am-7:30pm daily
Back to your accommodation you will take the L3 metro from Lesseps stop (direction Zona Universitària), which is a short walk away. You will get off just a short walk from the accommodation at the Paral-lel.
Today is the last day. To say goodbye, take a stroll down the iconic La Rambla, where they have amazing ice cream. Take a peek at the famous Arc de Triomf and head straight to the airport and home.
If you want, it is about 15-20 min walk. You can take a walk like we did in the morning.
If you prefer a more comfortable journey, you can get on the well-known L3 metro line first thing in the morning at the Paral-lel (direction Trinitat Nova) stop and get off in a few minutes at Liceu.
I highly recommend this ice cream shop! So many ways to build your own ice cream... There's also the option to buy chocolate from the movie Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. 🍪
La Rambla is perhaps the most popular street in Barcelona. It is 1.2 km long and contains many shops, restaurants, street performers, etc.
Another large square worth visiting. It is considered the centre of the city. We just had a quick walk through it and it was enough.
There is a metro stop L1 - Plaça de Catalunya (direction Fondo) right on the square. From there, it's just a short ride to the Arc de Triomf
The Arc de Triomphe was built on the occasion of the World's Fair in 1888 and was the entrance to the Exhibition Grounds.
The whole square around it is worth a short walk.
The metro line L1 runs alongside the Arc de Triomf and takes you to the square, where there are services to the airport. Just get on at the Arc de Triomf stop (direction Hospital de Bellvitge) and get off at Pl. Espanya.
Now, before heading to the airport, is the last chance to have a look around Barcelona. It's time to take the last photos and say goodbye.
Bus 46 departs from Pl Espanya - FGC. The journey takes just over half an hour.
